Will Utah “Resist Mitt?”

State GOP Delegates voted Saturday for their choice to represent the party in this November’s Senatorial election. Mitt Romney was not an overwhelming favorite.

Although Romney has already collected enough signatures to participate in a GOP primary, winning in a vote of party delegates Saturday would have allowed him to bypass any primary altogether.

He was actually bested by a little known outside of Utah, state legislator by the name of Mike Kennedy. The loss was a setback for Romney who is still seen considered by many to be the betting favorite to win in November. He was matched up against 11 other candidates, mostly unknown political newcomers. Many in the field are questioning Romney on his well known #NeverTrump positions and whether his sudden move to Utah from Massachusetts, where he was Governor, qualifies him as an opportunistic “Carpetbagger.”

The seat, which was vacated by the retirement of longtime Senator Orrin Hatch is expected to be won by a Republican in the heavily conservative state.